A toxin is a poison made by living cells or organisms. Toxins can
cause health problems on contact or when they are absorbed by the body.
The severity of a reaction to a toxin varies greatly. A bee sting
causes a minor reaction in most people. Botulinum toxin can cause a deadly
reaction. Usually, the severity of the health problem caused by a toxin depends
on:
- How often a person is exposed to the
toxin.
- How much toxin was in contact with or absorbed by the body.
Treatment can be as simple as staying away from the toxin and
limiting future exposure. In some cases, serious illnesses such as cancer,
heart disease, and lung disease can develop after long-term and repeated
exposures. Some people with long-term exposure need major treatment, depending
on the type of illness.
Fortunately, the levels of most toxins in the environment are low.
